Owl Figure

Pottery owls became important tourist items when the railroad and then Route 66 allowed for large numbers of tourists to travel to the Southwest. This collection of 192 Zuni pottery owls includes examples from before 1900 through 2006. Zuni potters continue to make owls and family traditions in the medium continue. While many younger potters are innovating, the owls are distinctly Zuni.

In traditional Zuni lore, the owl is considered a wise guardian and protector. An owl’s ability to see at night means that it sees what others cannot, giving it understanding of the spiritual and physical world.

Hand coiled clay pottery owl. Details are hand painted in dark brown and reddish brown onto pale orange background. Delicate feather patterning extents from beneath base up to scalloped outline of head. Stubby wings and tail are striped, head is marked with dashes that also encircle small conical two-tone ears, multi-lashed eye rings, and a tiny loop beak with nostrils.